When two or more candidates have the same number of votes in the Constituency Assembly Member election and the addition of a vote would entitle any of those candidates to be declared elected, you as CRO must decide between the candidates by drawing lots.1
The method of drawing lots is for you to decide. Examples of types of lot include:
ballot papers, each marked with a vote for one of the candidates with the same number of votes, placed in a container, such as an empty ballot box, mixed around, and then one drawn by you
slips of paper with the candidates’ names on them, placed in sealed envelopes, shuffled and then drawn by you
You should announce that you intend to proceed with the drawing of lots, explaining precisely what is about to happen and the method to be used. Candidates, agents, Commission representatives and accredited observers should be present during any preparation and the actual drawing of lots.
For example, if you use the first method described above, you should, in full view of any candidates and agents, and in the presence of Commission representatives and accredited observers, fold and place a previously counted ballot paper for each of the candidates with the same number of votes in an empty ballot box.
An assistant should raise the box to a height where you are unable to see the papers inside the box, but are still able to reach inside to pick one. After mixing, you should draw one of the ballot papers from the box, open it, and read the name of the candidate with the vote marked against their name out loud. That candidate is then adjudged to have been allotted an additional vote.
Similar preparations should be made should you decide to use any other method of drawing lots.
A statement should be added to the result sheet to the effect that:
Following an equality of votes, lots were drawn and, as a consequence, an additional vote was allotted to candidate [insert candidates name].
London Mayor election
In the event that two or more candidates have the same number of votes in the Mayoral of London contest, the GLRO will decide between the candidates by drawing lots.2